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Models - New/Gaydon Era

 

DB7 The DB7 marked another major step change in Aston Martin history. A DB4 for the 1990s, the DB7 was smaller and more affordable than the big V8s that preceded it. With beautiful Ian Callum-designed bodywork, the DB7 was developed by the TWR Group and manufactured in Bloxham, Oxfordshire with production commencing in 1994. Utilising a Jaguar XJ-derived chassis, the early DB7s had a 3,228cc 335bhp supercharged straight-6 engine. Quoted performance was 0-62 in 5.8 and 165mph max. Subsequently produced in a number of guises including Volantes, approximately 7,000 DB7s were built up until late 2004.

 

DB7 Vantage The DB7 was significantly enhanced in 1999 by the introduction of the DB7 Vantage – the first V12-powered Aston Martin. Its Cosworth-developed quad cam, 48-valve 5,935cc engine produced 420bhp and 400lb/ft of torque, and the manual DB7 Vantage could accelerate to 62mph in 5 secs and reach 185mph. Many subtle, Callum-designed styling enhancements were also implemented, along with revised suspension and braking systems. Customer reaction was phenomenal; by 2001 DB7 sales had increased by nearly 50% from 1999 levels.

 

DB7 Vantage Volante   From Sept 1999 to Sept 2003 the convertible DB7 Vantage Volante was produced at TWR’s Bloxham plant alongside the fixed-head coupé version. With 420bhp, these DB7s were the first Aston Martins to be powered by a V12 engine and they featured wider front grilles for for extra cooling along with larger front driving lamps and beefed-up bodywork. The 6-litre motor had sufficient grunt for 0-62mph in 5.0 secs and, for the speed-restricted Volante, a top speed of 165mph.

 

DB7 Zagato Just 99 DB7 Vantage Zagatos were built in 2003 with the aluminium bodies made in Italy and final assembly at Bloxham. The famous ‘double-bubble’ roof and large radiator grille were unmistakably ‘Zagato’, while the body, mounted on a shortened DB7 Vantage Volante platform, offered a 60kg weight reduction over the standard car. Other enhancements included 18” Zagato-styled wheels with revised offset to give a wider track, up-rated brakes, revised suspension and gearing, and analine hides used for the interiors. Powered by a revised version of the 6-litre V12, top speed was quoted at 190mph.

 

DB7 GT/GTA The most powerful DB7 road car was built from Jan 2003 to Sept 2004. Based on the 420bhp 6-litre V12-engined DB7 Vantage, the 5-speed Touchtronic GTA’s power remained the same but the 6-speed manual GT’s power was raised to 435bhp. Both featured stiffened suspension, more powerful brakes and an active sports exhaust system, while subtle aerodynamic revisions reduced lift. New 18-inch alloys further enhanced performance and appearance. Claimed performance was 0-62 in 5.0 secs (GTA 5.1 secs) and in excess of 185mph top speed (GTA 165mph).

 

Vanquish Available as a 2+0 or a 2+2, the Vanquish marked another huge step forward for Aston Martin as it showcased a bonded aluminium/composite chassis structure, advanced production techniques, advanced electronics and greatly improved build quality and safety along with stunning Ian Callum design. Manufactured from 2001 to 2004, the Vanquish also featured an sequential paddle-shift 6-speed transmission (a conventional 6-speed manual could be factory retro-fitted) and fly-by-wire throttles. Powered by a further-developed, 6-litre 48-valve V12 delivering 460bhp, quoted performance was 0-62 in 5.0secs with a 190mph top speed.

 

Vanquish S The fastest road-going, production Aston Martin made its world debut at the Paris Motorshow in 2004. With the Cologne-built 5,935cc V12 now developing 520bhp and 425lb/ft of torque, the S had revised gearing and delivered even greater performance: 0-62 in 4.8 secs and 200+mph. Other modifications included a reshaped grill and boot lid, a front splitter, upgraded brakes and quicker steering geometry, while the previously optional Sports Dynamics suspension package now came as standard. With production ending in 2007, the Vanquish S was the final hand-built model from the Newport Pagnell factory.

 

DB9 Star of the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow, the DB9 was the first Aston model from AML’s new Gaydon facility. The 2+2 DB9 is based on an Ian Callum design, later influenced by Hendrik Fisker. Drawing from Vanquish construction technology, the car employs a radical aluminium bonded chassis that is both light and super-rigid. Originally powered by a 450bhp 6-litre V12, power was upped by 20bhp in 2008 along with some chassis and suspension refinements. Quoted performance figures are 60mph in 4.6 secs with a top speed of 190mph.

 

V8 Vantage Unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Salon Auto, the new, more affordable ‘baby’ Aston Martin two-seater features a bonded aluminium chassis structure and was initially powered by an all-new, dry sump, low-emissions 380bhp 4.3-litre V8 engine. Although good for a quoted 175mph, in 2009 the V8 engine was upgraded to 4.7-litres and 420bhp, which upped top speed to 180mph with 0-60mph in 4.7 secs. A lightened and modified track -only N24 with the 410bhp 4.3-litre V8 appeared in early 2007, and this was succeeded in late 2008 by the 4.7-litre Vantage GT4 racer – its name paying homage to the 1959 DB4GT.

 

DBS First revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event in August 2007, the range-topping DBS was the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fibre body panels. Their low weight, aerodynamic efficiency and gorgeous looks coupled with an all alloy 510bhp 6-litre V12, means 0-62mph in 4.3 secs with a 191mph top speed. The convertible 2+2 DBS Volante was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Salon and it boasts the same impressive performance as its fixed-head sibling.

 

V12 Vantage The original V12 Vantage concept was first unveiled to guests at the opening of the Aston Martin Design Studio in December 2007. Based heavily on its V8 sibling, the production V12 Vantage subsequently came to market in early 2009 and was billed as ‘Aston Martin’s most exhilarating sportscar’. With carbon/ceramic brakes and a 1.3g cornering capability, the V12 Vantage’s 5,935cc engine produces 510bhp and 420lb/ft of torque. 0-60mph is attainable in 4.1 seconds along with a maximum speed of 190mph. New sports seats and subtle interior alterations complete the changes to Evo magazine's 2009 Car of the Year.

 

One-77 Revealed in April 2009 at a Lake Como concours event, the ultra exotic, £1m+ One-77 represents the ultimate in supercar technology and engineering. The body is made from rolled aluminium panels while the chassis is an immensely rigid carbon-fibre monocoque with double wishbone suspension, horizontally-mounted spring/damper units and carbon/ceramic brakes. The front/mid-mounted 7.3-litre, 700+bhp engine is an extreme evolution of the current 6.0 V12 and it should propel the 1,500kg 2-seater from 0-60 in 3.5 secs and on to well over 200mph. A limited production run of 77 is planned with deliveries starting in 2010.

 

Rapide Named after sporting Lagondas of yesteryear, the production Aston Martin Rapide was first revealed in the metal at the 2009 Frankfurt Motorshow. The first series-production Aston Martin to be produced outside the UK (in Graz, Austria), it's powered by a 470bhp 6.0-litre V12 producing 443lb/ft of torque. Claimed performance for the Marek Reichman-designed saloon is 0-60mph in 5.1 secs with a predicted 188mph top speed. Four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to the sports seats front and rear, while a capacious loadspace accommodates luggage for four.